Updated with 2026 Florida SB-48 Codes

What ADU can you build in your Pinellas County backyard?

Instant zoning report — see exactly what your zoning allows: permitted ADU types, size limits, setbacks, and lot requirements for your specific property.

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Pinellas County ADU — Key Facts

  • Only applies to unincorporated Pinellas County — incorporated cities (St. Pete, Clearwater, Largo) use separate rules
  • Maximum ADU size is 1,000 sq ft standard; reduced to 750 sq ft in Coastal Storm Areas and FEMA flood zones
  • Development review fees WAIVED as of July 2024 — significant cost saving versus other permit types
  • Owner-occupancy required unless affordable housing exception (both units rented at ≤80% AMI with 20-year agreement)
  • Short-term rentals require Certificate of Use — $450 initial + $150 inspection + $450 annual renewal — actively enforced
  • Multigenerational ADU property tax reduction available for ADUs housing parents/grandparents age 62+ (July 2024)
  • ADU exterior must match primary home's finish, roof style, materials, and colors

Unincorporated Pinellas County Rules

Max Size1000 sq ft
Setbacks10ft rear · 6ft side
Rental Rules
Varies by district
Max 1,000 sq ft (750 sq ft in Coastal Storm Areas and FEMA flood zones)
STR requires Certificate of Use ($450 initial + $150 inspection, $450 annual renewal) — active enforcement
Owner must occupy either primary home or ADU unless affordable housing exception applies

*These rules apply if your address is NOT inside a specific city limit.

Pinellas County ADU Permit Process

  1. 1Confirm unincorporated Pinellas County jurisdiction (not an incorporated city).
  2. 2Verify zoning district eligibility (R-A through RPD).
  3. 3Check flood zone status (affects size limit).
  4. 4Hire a Florida-licensed design professional.
  5. 5Submit permit application (development review fees waived as of July 2024).
  6. 6Complete plan review.
  7. 7Build and pass inspections.
  8. 8Obtain Certificate of Occupancy. Owner occupancy required unless waiving under 80% AMI affordable housing 20-year agreement.

Timeline: Development review fees waived streamlines process. Permit review: 3–6 weeks. Total typical: 4–10 months

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Cities in Pinellas County

Clearwater

Max Size:1000 sq ft
Setbacks:Standard
View City Rules

Pinellas County

Max Size:1000 sq ft
Setbacks:Standard
View City Rules

St Petersburg

Max Size:800 sq ft
Setbacks:Standard
View City Rules

Pinellas County ADU — Frequently Asked Questions

The most common questions from Pinellas County homeowners about ADU rules, permits, and costs.

Can I build an ADU in Pinellas County?

Yes, if your property is in unincorporated Pinellas County (not inside an incorporated city). All residential districts qualify: R-A, R-E, R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, RMH, R-4, R-5, RM, and RPD. Verify your jurisdiction using the Pinellas County Zoning & Land Use Map at pinellas.gov/zoning-land-use. Incorporated cities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Largo have separate rules.

What is the maximum ADU size in unincorporated Pinellas County?

1,000 sq ft standard. In Coastal Storm Areas and FEMA flood hazard areas, the limit is 750 sq ft. Check your flood zone at msc.fema.gov. The ADU must also match the exterior finish and roof style of the primary home.

Do I need to live on the property to build or rent an ADU in Pinellas County?

Yes, unless you qualify for the affordable housing exception. Standard: owner must occupy either the primary home or ADU (verified via Homestead Exemption). Exception: both units can be rented at or below 80% Area Median Income with a 20-year Land Use Restrictive Agreement recorded on the property.

Can I use my Pinellas County ADU as an Airbnb?

Short-term rentals are not prohibited, but require a Certificate of Use ($450 initial + $150 inspection + $450 annual renewal) before operating. Enforcement is active — violations reported via (727) 353-2436 hotline. Register and renew annually to avoid daily fines.

Are there special tax benefits for ADUs in Pinellas County?

Yes. As of July 2024, homeowners who build or renovate an ADU to house a parent or grandparent age 62+ may qualify for a property tax reduction equal to the lesser of the assessed value increase or 20% of total assessed value after improvements. Apply with the Pinellas County Property Appraiser at pcpao.gov or (727) 464-3207.

Looking for ADU Builders in Pinellas County?

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Florida ADU Laws 2026 — What SB-48 Actually Changed

Statewide rules on size limits, owner-occupancy, HOA overrides, and what local municipalities can still control.

Read Florida ADU Laws →

Find out what ADU you can build in your backyard

— and get a free Pinellas County ADU guide for your area.

Free report · No commitment · 60 seconds